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Pembrokeshire wind farm blocked after concerns it would spoil view of disused church

Campaigners said wind turbines would ruin the view of Saint Decumanus' Church in Rhoscrowther. Credit: Google Maps

Plans for a giant wind farm in Pembrokeshire have been blocked after officials said it would spoil the view of a disused church.

The recommended site for the wind farm was in the deserted village of Rhoscrowther in Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, which is home to St Decumanus' Church.

Charity group Friends of Friendless Churches said the proposed 100-metre high turbines would take away from the "spirituality and tranquility" of the building, even though it has not been used for 20 years.

Energy firm Rhoscrowther Wind Farm Limited said the site was an ideal spot to generate electricity through five 2.5 megawatt wind turbines.

The wind farm was expected to provide 7,000 homes with electricity.

But planning inspector Kay Sheffield recommended the site proposal be turned down.

She said it would have a "significant and adverse visual affect on the character and appearance of the landscape of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park."

She added: "I consider that the harm which would be caused by the development clearly outweighs the benefits it would bring."

St Decumanus’ Church is a grade-I listed building, which means it is of exceptional architectural interest.

Listed buildings cannot be demolished, extended, or altered without special permission from a local planning authority.

The church was named after a Celtic saint who travelled to Somerset from South Wales during the seventh century, after sailing on a raft with a cow.